Sept 25th Update - Rural Crime Tour, Howdy Neighbor BBQ, ♻️ Roundup, Property Taxes & Parkins Rd Construction Update

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Rural Crime Tour with Minister of Justice Oct. 1st

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Doug Schweitzer is once again coming to town to discuss rural crime.  This is his second time this month he has been in the area to discuss this topic with locals.  On September 5, Banff-Kananaskis MLA, Miranda Rosin organized an opportunity for me to meet with him with a handful of other Councillors from the Foothills and Rockyview County prior to a Town Hall he hosted in Springbank.  (Click here for details on the September 5th event).

He expressed his commitment to help deal with the issue and was open to feedback as to what was working and what wasn't.  The fact that he is coming back to the area demonstrates this commitment.  

If you have experienced Rural Crime and would like to provide feedback to the Minister on the topic, be sure to join us on October 1st at the Centennial Centre in Okotoks from 6-8pm.  A special thanks to RJ Sigurdson, MLA for Highwood for organizing this event.

Details for the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1113568042182622/

Rothney Observatory "Howdy Neighbor BBQ" Sept 26th (@1:42)

If you have never been to the Rothney Observatory here is the perfect opportunity as on Thursday, Sept 26th from 5-8pm they are hosting their annual "Howdy Neighbor" BBQ.  This is a chance to come see the observatory and learn about all the amazing things they are doing there.  AND there is free food!

It is a great event for ALL AGES so bring the family, have some good food, visit with neighbors from the area and learn about this great resource we have in the Foothills!

September 28 is the Recycling Roundup! (@2:35)

Bring your items to the Black Diamond or Turner Valley Transfer stations between 10-4.  This is an event that only takes place once per year!  So take advantage of it and get your garage cleaned up before winter comes.

Property Tax Reminder - Due September 30th (@3:05)

Parkins Road Construction Update (@3:31)

For those of you out on Parkins Road, I know it has been a challenging last few weeks.  Public works has obviously had some challenges with weather during the repair of the road, with more inclement weather coming.

I have been assured by the Deputy Director of Operations that they will do their best to get the road done this fall.  If they are unable to fully complete it to the standard they want, they will make it the best they can to get through the winter and will make sure it is fully repaired next summer.

I know this has been an inconvenience to residents out that way and we very much appreciate your patience on this.  They are doing the best they can and if only we could control the weather...

Sept 11 Update - Road Construction, Square Butte Community Association Potluck, Recycle Roundup ♻️ and Landfill Extended Hours

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Road Construction Update (@ 0:46)

• 322 St W south from 549 W.  Repairs being done.  They were there previous but had weather turn and had to go back and do some further repairs.
• Home Oil Road repairs to the Maintainable Road Oil (MRO) surface.
• Parkins Road resurfacing.  This is a bigger project so might take a while and is weather dependent.

Square Butte Community Potluck Sept 15th 4-8pm (@ 2:44)

Always a great family event.  Takes place at the Square Butte Hall on highway 762.  Starts a 4pm.

Come out for some fun and festivities.  Great chance to catch up with the neighbors and enjoy some fantastic food! 

Recycle Roundup Sept 28th 10-4 at Black Diamond & Priddis Transfer Stations (@3:43)

Landfill Extended Hours (@4:24)

WARNING! TAX EMAIL SCAM and Rural Crime Survey from Minister of Justice, Doug Schweitzer

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TAX EMAIL SCAM

From mdfoothills.com:

Tax Email Scam
It has come to our attention that a scam email impersonating Foothills County is demanding immediate tax payment via e-transfer.

Foothills County does not request or accept e-transfers as a form of payment for taxes and will never demand payment.

ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES are due on September 30, 2019

Taxes received after October 1, 2019 are late and will be subject to a penalty of 6%. 

Taxes received after December 31, 2019 will be subject to a penalty of 12%. 

PAY YOUR TAXES THROUGH: • Online /Telephone banking • Your financial institution • Mail (enclose remittance slip with cheque) • In person at the County Administration office 

For more information, please contact: Foothills County 403-652-2341 taxes@foothillscountyab.ca

Let's Talk Rural Crime Questionnaire

You have the opportunity to meet Minister Schweitzer on October 1st from 6-8pm at the Foothills Centennial Centre.

One of the items Minister of Justice, Doug Schweitzer has shared to ensure they receive feedback from residents about rural crime is a questionnaire.  Click Here to download the questionnaire.

Once you have filled out the questionnaire, please copy and scan your questionnaire to Jonah.mozeson@gov.ab.ca or fax it to (780) 422-6621. 

Meeting with Minister of Justice, Doug Schweitzer and MLA, Miranda Rosin

Meeting with Minister of Justice Doug Schweitzer 

On September 5th, I had the opportunity to meet with Minister of Justice & Solicitor General, Doug Schweitzer.  Thanks to Banff-Kanaskis MLA, Miranda Rosin, she was able to arranged a small meeting with myself, and a handful of other municipal Councillors from Foothills County and Rockyview County.

The meeting started with us having the opportunity to share what has been happening in our areas with regards to rural crime along with what we have been doing about it.  It was nice having two full hours to discuss these issues so that we could make him aware of what was happening in our area.

A few of the items I discussed with him included:

• Foothills County's Enhanced Policing Program
• Rural crime issues
• Call delays for those reporting crimes
• The importance of streamlining the process for reporting crimes
• Of the announced $10 million from the previous government for increased crime initiatives and prosecutors, none came to our area.
• Possibility of expanding jurisdiction of Sheriffs 
• Rural Crime Watch programs
• and others

The Minister stressed his commitment to fulfill their campaign promises with regards to Rural crime as outlined in the report, "A Safer Alberta" - UCP Strategy to Tackle the Rural Crime Crisis from July 2018 (click here to download the report).

In the evening, Minister Schweitzer and MLA Rosin hosted a Town Hall event in Springbank and invited me to attend.  

At the event, I was able to provide some valuable feedback on what was working in the Foothills along with specifics of what we have learned directly from members of the local RCMP detachments.  It was a spirited evening with a number of passionate people in attendance.

I was glad I was able to provide some insight and respond to questions about a very real issue in Alberta. 

Aug 28 Update - Interested in Back Yard Chickens? Micro Cannabis & MLA, Roger Reid

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Do you know anyone in Foothills County interested in #BackYardChickens? If yes, then today's post is for you.

Back Yard Chickens in Foothills County

Council once again discussed back yard chickens.  Previously, Foothills Council had directed staff to go and look at some of the other municipalities in the area and come back with some further information on how they allow for chickens in their bylaws.

Staff brought us back some information today and now, we will be looking to do some public engagement to get some feedback from you on what you would like to see with regards to this topic.

Be sure to watch back here for further information on what that engagement will look like and how you can contribute.

Micro Cannabis (@2:08)

 Another hot item of discussion was micro cannabis operations.  Council once again has directed staff to look at some of the other municipalities in the area and come back with some feedback on moving forward with policy around these operations.

That will be coming back to Council and then also will go to public engagement to get your feedback.  Watch here for more information when I have it available.

Meeting with Roger Reid, MLA Livingstone Macleod (@2:58)

A very big thank-you Roger for taking the time to visit Foothills County Council today. 

We discussed a number of items concerning residents of the Foothills.  

Roger also reported that over the summer, the UCP have passed 13 bills and are already through over 17% of their platform promises with much more to come.  

Obviously, one of the challenges they are facing is with regards to budget and he stressed that they are not planning on decreasing any primary services such as health care and education, however, they are looking for efficiencies in all departments.

We look forward to working with Roger, Miranda Rosin and RJ Sigurdson and getting things moving!

INTERNET UPDATE and internet Meeting with Minister of Service Alberta Nate Glubish and MLA Miranda Rosin

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INTERNET UPDATE on Connect to Innovate Grant

As many of you may remember, in the spring of 2018, Rigstar Communications received a federal grant called the Connect to Innovate grant to improve internet service in the area of Kew (click here for the original post).


Since then, I have been working with them to find suitable locations for them to put their towers.  On Aug 21/19, I met once again with representatives from Rigstar and they had good news for us.  At long last, they have found the suitable spots. 

They are excited to get moving on this and are looking to do some public engagement in the area.  I have suggested the host open houses at the Square Butte Hall and Millarville Racetrack to connect with residents.  Shortly thereafter, they will make application to Foothills Council for the towers.

I know it has been a long time coming, there is still a bit to go but a least things look positive.  Keep watch here and on my Facebook page as further information comes out regarding dates for the open houses. 

Meeting with Minister of Service Alberta

The same day as my meeting with Rigstar, I had the opportunity to meet with Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta and discuss internet and Alberta's strategy to meet the mandated federal guidelines.

Some of you may know that the Federal Government has mandated the following:

• By 2021 - 90% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg

• By 2030 100% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg

Minister Glubish stated that at this point, the Federal government does not have a strategy in place to make this happen.  Currently, he went on to say the 80-82% of Alberta residents reach these speeds (obviously in the urban centres).

He also mentioned that Alberta has not made much headway as of late as the previous government had no strategy in place either so they are playing catch up.

Obviously, with the state of finances of the Provincial government at this point, he was very clear that there was not going to be any direct funding to projects in the immediate future.  That said, they are working with the Federal government to have the over $1 billion investment in infrastructure for the Alberta SuperNet recognized so that the Province could potentially receive some funding that way.

In addition, the Ministry is open to suggestions and opportunities to provide non-financial resources including collection of information.  He emphasized his goal to build a strategy with us and is very open to communication to do it.

July 3 Update - TC Energy, Millarville Races, Millarville Heritage Rodeo, Spruce Meadows North American, Off-Highway Vehicles & Explore Foothills

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FYI - Council is on a break for a bit so this will likely be my last video until we are back meeting in August.  

P.S. If you are the type of person that likes to help others and you received value from this video, please share it with someone else as they are likely to value it as well.  Thank-You!

TC Energy (Trans Canada) West Path Project

Representatives from TC Energy (formerly Trans Canada) were before Council today to bring us up to speed on their "West Path Project" which includes upgrades to the compressor station at their site between Millarville and Turner Valley.

They received their approvals in April 2019, have mobilized, done some site grading and have begun construction of the site.  They stated the "noisiest" part is already complete which was the installation of the piles.  Construction is to last until Q2 of 2020 and all components will be in service shortly thereafter.

I asked a number of questions with regards to the roads and assisting the locals.  They confirmed there is a road use agreement in place so any damage they do to the road, will be repaired at their cost and not any of the County resident's.  Also, they suggested if there were concerns from residents as to issues with the road, to let them know and they will do their best to address the concerns.

For more information on the project, click on images to make them bigger or CLICK HERE for the sheets they provided Council as the images below are very small.  

 

 

Happy Canada Day - 114th Millarville Races (@ 1:56)

Canada Day was another fantastic day with the 114th running of the Millarville Races.  The weather was perfect, the storm held off until after the races were complete.  

It was a fun day of family, friends, horse races and of course the Millarville Farmers Market which is open every Saturday, 9-2 until Thanksgiving Saturday, Oct 12.

Support our local venders and get the best produce and local meat in the area.

Millarville Rodeo - July 19-21 (@ 2:42)

Another great event at the Millarville Racetrack in the 22nd Millarville Heritage Rodeo!  Be sure to book your camp sites and stay for the entire weekend.  

The next best thing to the Calgary Stampede (at a fraction of the price)!  Follow them on Facebook here or visit them on the web at: http://www.millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/rodeo/.

Spruce Meadows North American July 6-7 (@ 3:02)

If horse jumping is more your thing than this weekend at Spruce Meadows is for you.  This weekend it is taking place and some of the best from all over North America will be in attendance.  

Lots to see and take in and another great event in the Foothills.  

Visit: https://www.sprucemeadows.com/tournaments/view_tournament.jsp?id=27 for more details and to get your tickets.  

Off-Highway Vehicles in the Foothills (@ 3:36)

Just a reminder for those of you that use OHV's in the Foothills.  Be safe, be respectful and obey the laws.  Sounds as though users have been very respectful so far this year so lets keep it that way.

The brochure is a reminder for everyone and is available at the County website at: http://bit.ly/FoothillsOHV.

Explore Foothills (Foothills Tourism) (@ 4:27)

www.FoothillsTourism.com

Foothills Tourism isn't just for bringing more people to the area but also a great opportunity for locals to experience more of what their own backyard has to offer.  

Yesterday, the new organization launched their official new website at www.FoothillsTourism.com and I must say, it is a MUST VISIT!  

Explore all different categories of what the area has to offer you based off your own interests!  

From Family Fun to Agritourism, to Sports and Recreation opportunities in the area.  I guarantee you will find something new that you will want to check out.  

Not to be left out for you "Foodies" out there, available is a listing of some of the best food establishments that are a must try.

June 19 Update - SRHT Radiothon, Fire Smart Square Butte, Upcoming Cycling Events and Foothills Tourism website launch

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Sheep River Health Trust "Together We Can Make A Difference" Radiothon (@ 0:56)

Join us this Thursday for the 6th annual Sheep River Health Trust Radiothon! 

Thursday, June 20th  5:30am - 7:00pm  on the Eagle 100.9FM and on location at Sobeys Okotoks

All proceed supporting:

·       Okotoks Health & Wellness  - Urgent Care

·       Literacy for Life

·       It Takes a Village

·       Rowan House Emergency Shelter

·       Baby It's Cold Outside

·       Dr. Morris Gibson School Inclusive Playground

·       Foothills Special Needs Association for Parents and Siblings

·       Oilfields General Hospital - RSLTC

How to get involved?   Make a donation by calling 587-576-HERO or join us at one of our fun day activities:

Charity BBQ at Sobeys Okotoks - 11am to 5pm for Smokies & Pop for $3. And on site activities such as Bouncy Castle, Mini Golf, and other games!

Chuckwagon Café  - 8:30 - 10:30am

Foothills Family Medical Center - 11am - 2pm- Charity BBQ. $2 Hotdog and Pop.

To get involved or make a donation call 587-576-HERO or www.bookwhen.com/radiothon

Fire Smart Square Butte Event Sat June 22! (@ 2:54)

It is finally here.  I've been telling you about it since November and this Saturday it is finally taking place at the Square Butte Hall on Highway 762.  Come and learn how to Fire Smart your home and buildings.  Details are below.

Upcoming Cycling Events Taking Place (@ 3:50)

These two events are taking place during the week during working hours as an attempt to minimize impact on the local residents.  I still want you to be aware that they will be taking place.

WSP Event - June 25th

Details: 50 participants

Routes: Highway 762, Plummers Rd, 1240 Dr, 240 St W, Hwy 549, Hwy 22 and 338 Ave.

Ernst & Young Event - June 26th 

Details: 120 participants in 12 groups of 10 cyclists 

Routes: 240 St W, Plummers Rd, Hwy 762, Hwy 549, Hwy 22, 192 St W, 2239 Dr. and 112 St W

Foothills Tourism Website Launch (@ 5:41)

www.FoothillsTourism.com

Foothills Tourism isn't just for bringing more people to the area but also a great opportunity for locals to experience more of what their own backyard has to offer.  

Yesterday, the new organization launched their official new website at www.FoothillsTourism.com and I must say, it is a MUST VISIT!  

Explore all different categories of what the area has to offer you based off your own interests!  

From Family Fun to Agritourism, to Sports and Recreation opportunities in the area.  I guarantee you will find something new that you will want to check out.  

Not to be left out for you "Foodies" out there, available is a listing of some of the best food establishments that are a must try.

June 12th - Busy weekend coming up! Millarville Farmers' Market Opening Day, Millarville "Run To The Market" Half Marathon, Chinook Gran Fondo & FireSmart Canada Event

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Millarville Market Opening Day!

Saturday, June 15th is the opening day of the famous Millarville Market from 9am - 2pm!  Be sure to come out support our local producers and enjoy some other great activities as well.  The market runs from June 15th until October 12th.

New program for kids this year as well!  For ages 5-12, the Market Buds program helps to educate children on where their food comes from and making healthy choices.  They earn tokens for spending on vegetables and fruit by completing a weekly activity in the Market Buds area located in the garden. They have also added a bale climbing pyramid, “barrel” horses with roping steers, horseshoes, games, and a weekly activity or craft. 

For More Information on the Millarville Market, visit: www.millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/farmers-market/

Millarville "Run To The Market" Half Marathon

Opening day of the market also means the annual "Run to the Market" Half Marathon.  Going from Black Diamond to the Millarville Market.  There are three different events taking place.  The Half-Marathon (21.1 km) event, the Two-Person Half Marathon Relay and of course, a fan favorite, the Cobs Cinnamon Bun Run (12.8 km).  Since the race route goes from Black Diamond to the Millarville Racetrack, be sure to use Highways 22 and 549 if you are planning on attending the Market as the back route from Black Diamond will be closed to traffic!

For more information on the Millarville Half Marathon, visit: http://www.millarvillehalfmarathon.com/

Chinook Gran Fondo

This large scale cycling event is also taking place on Saturday, June 15th starting at 8am.  I am sharing so you are aware (and prepared) of any traffic interruptions due to the event.  This will NOT be like during the Tour of Alberta where roads were closed down for extensive time frames.  My understanding is there will be no road closures however, there will be officials for directing the cyclists to help keep both the motorists and cyclists safe.

There are three different routes that participants will be utilizing.  I will include maps below.  Please make note if you live in any of these areas.

The riders are directed to - “Stay to the Right”: Unless passing another rider, ensure that you stay as far to the right of the road as you can; making it easy for other riders to pass you safely on the left. (Taken from event website: https://platinumracing.ca/chinook-gran-fondo/chinook-gran-fondo-rules-regulations/).  

Route #1 - Piccolo Fondo 63km

View an interactive route map here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/838875

Route #2 - Medio Fondo 92 km

View the interactive route map here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/838868

Route #3 - Gran Fondo 140 km

View the interactive route map here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/838797

Fire Smart Event at Square Butte Hall

With the heightened concern over forest fires, the Square Butte Hall will be holding a Fire Smart event.  Bring a potluck item and stay for lunch after and have some great conversation.

Details:

Date: June 22/19

Time: 9 am - 12 pm

June 5th Update - Traffic Interruptions, Spruce Meadows National, Gravel Haul, FireSmart Event, Trailer crackdown

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Additional Ring Road Traffic Interruptions

Ongoing Lane Closures 6th St and 22X

Impact: Ongoing Lane Closures in ALL DIRECTIONS approaching the intersection

Dates: Monday, June 3 to Saturday, June 8

Hours: Weekdays 9 am - 3 pm

           Saturday 7 am - 6 pm

To download full details, CLICK HERE.

Spruce Meadows National June 8-9th

In addition to the South West Calgary Ring Road traffic challenges, there will be additional traffic coming to the area for the Spruce Meadows National.  A fantastic event taking place but will compound the effect of the traffic issues.  If you are planning on attending, do make sure to give yourself some extra time to get to the event.

Gravel Haul to Be Aware of

Intersection Construction - 112 St West & 226 Avenue

Foothills County started construction at the intersection at 112 St West and 226 Avenue in early May. Part of this construction includes an extensive truck haul that started on June 3rd and will last until the end of June.

The truck haul route (providing granular materials) is from 192 St West, East on Hwy 549, North on 112 St W to the construction site at 226 Avenue.

Construction will take place Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:00pm. Motorists please obey posted signage.

Fire Smart Event at Square Butte Hall

With the heightened concern over forest fires, the Square Butte Hall will be holding a Fire Smart event.  Bring a potluck item and stay for lunch after and have some great conversation.

Details:

Date: June 22/19

Time: 9 am - 12 pm

Foothills Council Cracks Down of Advertising Trailers

Foothills Council provided 2nd and 3rd readings to a new bylaw cracking down on the roadside trailer advertising.  There has been a bylaw in place specific to roadside trailers since 2014 but Council updated the bylaw to increase penalties for those not in compliance.

The signs have been an ongoing problem and source of numerous complaints to the municipality over the past several years as the number of the signs have been steadily on the rise.  

Provincial legislation prohibits the placement of a sign within 300 metres of a highway, unless a permit has been issued.

First reading for the Bylaw was provided February 6, 2019.  Since then, sign inventory has been decreasing so we look forward to lowering this even further in order to protect the beautiful vistas our residents are so used to.